The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Honolulu City Council on Jan. 29, 2025.
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Jan. 29, 2024, 10 a.m.
Honolulu Hale
To: Honolulu City Council
Tommy Waters, Chair
Matt Weyer, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: Bill 1 (2025) — RELATING TO PUBLIC PLACES
Aloha Chair Waters, Vice-Chair Weyer and other members of the Council,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports Bill 1 (2025), which would make permanent the Outdoor Dining Services Pilot Program.
A byproduct of the COVID-19 lockdowns, this outdoor dining arrangement has provided restaurants flexibility and the opportunity to innovate with new seating arrangements that take advantage of Oahu’s beautiful weather and scenery.
The Office of Economic Revitalization’s final report on the pilot program found that 15 eateries participated. All three businesses that responded to OER’s survey indicated that offering outdoor dining has increased their revenue, and one business reported hiring more employees as a result.[1]
Grassroot strongly suggests implementing OER’s recommendations relating to permit duration and making the semi-annual permit fees annual instead.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
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[1] “Outdoor Dining Services Program: Report to the Honolulu City Council,” Office of Economic Revitalization, Nov. 12, 2024, p. 14.
